Navajo Nation reconsiders ban on genetic research

Nature News and Comment has a thoughtful piece about the Navajo Nation’s difficult history with genetic testing, and the current debate happening about whether or not to allow genetic testing of tribe members as a new cancer center opens in Arizona. Tribal members, leaders and researchers are working to draft a policy that recognizes and prevents past abuses and violations of trust but also seeks a path for Navajo people to see the benefits of advanced cancer care that often involves genetic analysis of blood and tissue samples.

In the News

Researchers and scholars have long debated the question of “nature vs. nurture” – whether our genetics or the environment (be it natural and social) has a greater influence on our traits. While much research has shown that both genes and environment shape our traits, several recent studies suggest that, at least for the specific traits that were looked at, the environment may play a bigger role. Read about them in our latest "In the News" blogpost! ... See MoreSee Less

The Personal Genetics Education Project raises awareness and sparks conversation about the potential benefits as well as the ethical, legal, and social implications of personal genetics. We strive to ...

Submissions for the 2018 National DNA Day essay contest is now open! Teachers, check the link below to find out about this year's essay question and more information about the contest. ... See MoreSee Less

National DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953. This year's DNA Day will be on Wednesday, April 25, 2018. W...

One of the goals of personalized medicine is to study a disease the way it develops in a person and tailor therapies to that individual’s genetic makeup. Researchers in Wisconsin are now planning to use genome editing to make “personalized piglets” for finding potential treatments for children with a hereditary condition called neurofibromatosis type 1. Read about it in our latest blogpost! ... See MoreSee Less

The Personal Genetics Education Project raises awareness and sparks conversation about the potential benefits as well as the ethical, legal, and social implications of personal genetics. We strive to ...

A genetic tool called a "gene drive" is being proposed for use in New Zealand to eradicate invasive animals, such as rats, in order to protect the country's unique ecosystem. But in addition to discussions about environmental benefits and concerns, the proposal also raises additional questions about how scientists should involve indigenous peoples, in this case the Māori of New Zealand, in such projects. Read all about this in our new blogpost. ... See MoreSee Less

The Personal Genetics Education Project raises awareness and sparks conversation about the potential benefits as well as the ethical, legal, and social implications of personal genetics. We strive to ...